Saludo, Rogie R. • The great man theory argues that a few people are born with the necessary characteristics Introduction to be great. • Popularized in early 19th century by Scottish historian Thomas Carlyle • Portray great leaders heroic, mythic, and destined to rise to leadership when needed. • The theory was formulated mainly by analyzing the behaviors of mainly military figures of the time. • In the 1800s, authoritative positions were held solely by men and were typically passed on from father to son. Thus, it's not a coincidence that the theory was named "Great Man Theory" as there weren't any women that were given the opportunity to rise when the occasion presented itself. • Assume that the capacity for leadership is inherent – that great leaders are born, not made. • The mythology behind some of the world’s most famous leaders
Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Julius
Caesar, Alexander the Great Strengths • Inside certain men there are leadership born qualities • Great for leading an army • Great leaders will arise when needed • Based on their ability they possessed Weaknesses • Herbert Spencer created an argument ( He believed leaders were products of their environment.In other words, society was shaping these great men as oppose to them shaping society!) • Manipulate a crowd to believe you are the chosen one even if arent • No scientific validity • Declaration of and actual great man often happens after defining act